Bogus council workers attempting to collect household charge - report

Homeowners across the Midlands and the North East are being told to be vigilant after reports of bogus council workers attempting to collect the household tax.

Laois County Council said it had received a number of tip-offs concerning fraudsters calling to properties this week.

The most recent reports concern two men visiting homes in Mountmellick. Yesterday, a man in his 20s sought the €100 fee from homes in Stradbally.

Meath County Council has issued a similar warning.

The gardaí have been notified.

Senior staff officer at Laois County Council's finance department Anne Marie Kirrane said council staff were not currently collecting the charge.

She told Midlands 103 that council staff would always present formal ID to homeowners, and advised anyone who is suspicious about an approach from a person claiming to be a council staff member to contact gardaí.